How Saudi Arabia shook up the football world: From upsetting Lionel Messi's Argentina a year ago and signing Cristiano Ronaldo, to hiring Roberto Mancini and securing the 2034 World Cup
A year on from a shock win in Lusail, Saudi Arabia has now established itself as one of the game's most influential power-brokers
Lusail, November 22, 2022 and Saudi Arabia are only 1-0 down at half-time in their World Cup opener against Argentina. Coach Herve Renard is furious, though. He feels as if his players have already given up on getting something out of the game and are more interested in marvelling at Lionel Messi's mastery of the football.
«You just stand in front of the defence!» Renard screams at his midfielders. «Take your phone out, you can get a picture with him if you want! He has nobody [challenging him]! Did you see what you are doing?!
»You don’t feel we are going to come back?! You don’t feel it?! They're playing relaxed. Come on! Come on, guys! This is the World Cup — give everything!"
So, they do. In a stunning spell just after the restart, Saudi Arabia turns the game, and the entire footballing world, upside down.
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